Podcast Episodes

  1. Silhouettes of three wise men riding camels across a desert landscape at night. A bright star shines in the dark blue sky above them.

    What was the Christmas Star?

    It’s a story so familiar to many that you may not even realize there’s more to be discovered. The Bible describes an event that led so-called wise men to Jesus. Scripture calls it a star, but what was it really? That’s the question Grant Mathews, director of the center for astrophysics at Notre Dame, set out to answer. He believes the Christmas star was actually a planetary alignment. He shares his research with us for this episode of Notre Dame Stories.

  2. An Indian man and a white woman sit facing the camera in red rolling chairs around a small glass table. The room has red walls, a patterned carpet, potted plants, and a bookshelf visible in the background. They appear to be in a casual conversation or interview setting.

    Artificial intelligence for the common good

    In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, Nitesh Chawla, founding director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Amid growing concerns about AI’s societal impacts, Chawla emphasizes a proactive and inclusive approach to leveraging this technology for good. From addressing biases in AI systems to creating global solutions for health care and poverty, his work exemplifies Notre Dame’s mission to advance the human condition through interdisciplinary collaboration. He also discusses how Notre Dame’s holistic educational approach empowers students to use data and AI ethically and responsibly to tackle complex global challenges.

  3. Micki Kidder stands to the left of Jenna Liberto outside of a brick building at Notre Dame

    Pathways to Notre Dame

    In this Notre Dame Stories podcast episode, Micki Kidder, vice president for undergraduate enrollment, highlights Notre Dame’s new no-loan financial aid packaging and expanded need-blind admissions as part of the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can access a Notre Dame education without the burden of debt. As a Notre Dame alumna, a staff member, and now a Notre Dame parent, Kidder shares her personal insight into the University’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Catholic values.

  4. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses sits in a gray chair in front of bookshelves. She wears a navy blue suit jacket over a light blue v-neck shirt and a gold chain necklace. She is posed with her hands resting on the arms of the chair.

    The future of mental health care with Notre Dame's Sarah Mustillo

    In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, we go deep on a topic featured in the University’s award-winning series, “What Would You Fight For?” In an in-depth conversation, Sarah Mustillo discusses the bold University initiative around mental health. She talks about her own research into childhood trauma, and how it helps to inform her approach. Later, we also chat with Austin Wyman, a Notre Dame doctoral student. Austin has his own personal story of how he became interested in studying quantitative psychology. Learn about the University’s commitment to combat America’s mental health crisis.

  5. A blonde female in a blue dress sits smiling across from a smiling man with grey hair wearing a dark suit and a priest's collar. They are separated by a small circular table and two microphones. On the table are two Notre Dame coffee mugs: one white, one blue. Behind them is a black curtain backdrop.

    "Learn every day"

    In October, it was announced that Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., would step down from his role as the 17th president of the University of Notre Dame. He has shaped and grown the University and its impact over the past 19 years in research, global engagement, and by attracting super faculty and the highest caliber students, just to name a few. In this special episode of Notre Dame Stories, Father Jenkins reflects on his tenure with host Jenna Liberto.

  6. A woman with blonde hair wearing a light gray suit sits next to a man in glasses dressed in a dark blue suit. The two smile at each other. They are separated by a small circular table and two microphones. Behind them is a TV screen that says Notre Dame Stories and a bookcase filled with University-themed decor.

    Notre Dame as a leading research university

    The University of Notre Dame has experienced transformational growth in research over the past decade. The evidence is everywhere on campus, both in the talent of the faculty and the resources devoted to making Notre Dame a leading research institution.   In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, host Jenna Liberto talks to Vice President for Research Jeff Rhoads, who shares his plans for expanding the University's impact globally.

  7. Fr. Khaled Anatolios wears a purple vestment. He stands facing an alter while performing a Byzantine Mass.

    Breathe with both lungs

    What comes to mind when you think about the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame? Likely, an image of traditional…

  9. A stone bust of G.K. Chesterton looking slightly down and to the side. The letters 'G.K.C.' are carved into the front.

    G.K. Chesterton and Notre Dame

    • (16 minutes listen)

    In this episode, we look at the relationship between the great Catholic intellectual, G.K. Chesterton, and the University of Notre Dame. Chesterton spent a semester on campus in 1930, lending his intellectual prowess and good humor to the Notre Dame community. Today, a collection of his personal belongings…

  10. A woman with long dark hair sits at a desk and looks at her computer, with a window and a large coffee mug nearby.

    The connection between dreams and work productivity

    We know that a good night’s sleep can help you at work…but what role do dreams play in your 9-to-5? We sat down with Casher Belinda, assistant professor for management at the Mendoza College of Business, to discuss a new study that shows how the emotions we experience at night can help us during the…